The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

WITH hundreds of millions dollars spent on craft items each year, Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation chairman Arnold Forbes said he is seeking to ensure local artisans are the ones reaping the benefits.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Mr Forbes announced that the 15th annual Bahamas Arts Festival will be held October 21-28.

He said: “The Bahamas Arts Festival is the premier handicraft event from BAIC – the purpose of this festival is to showcase Bahamian art and Bahamian talent for the world to see on a major scale.

“In the Bahamas today, $250 million is spent on gifts or handicrafts coming into the Bahamas. Tt is the intention of BAIC to ensure that $250 million is spent on authentically Bahamian-made products; our goal is to promote Bahamian artists and artisans so they can get the majority share on what is being spent by our tourists on gifts every year.”

BAIC assistant general manager Donna-Lee Bowe said the festival, which will be held Arawak Cay, will showcase locally produced products only.

 “The festival has been instrumental over the past 15 years in bringing recognition and merit to the arts and crafts industry,” she said.

According to Mrs Bowe, some of the week’s events will include a two day plating course at BAIC headquarters, a church service in honour of Nora Dorsett, a ‘battle of the bands’ culminating in a gospel concert, a tea party, and a junkanoo rush-out.

Sponsors include the Royal Bank of Canada, the Chinese Embassy, BTC, Atlantis and JS Johnson.